Crowe MacKay Yellowknife Leaders Recognized for Their Service

Gillian is dedicated to developing CPAs in the North and has a passion for seeing students succeed. Her main goal is to empower students to have confidence in themselves, “ I see our students get anxious about their studies, but they have some of the best experience I’ve seen, which provides them with a real advantage.” From developing skills, leading Crowe MacKay’s internal training, helping create an internal study program for the CFE, and working with students in the firm’s internal mentorship program, she has made an impact on aspiring accounting professionals. Gillian is also a CPA mentor for the CPA’s Western School of Business. Joel McConnell, current Manger in Yellowknife and a past mentee of Gillian’s, shares that “while working towards my CPA designation, [Gillian] provided great assistance in helping me navigate the system. She continues to offer excellent advice and guidance on how to provide exceptional service to our clientele.” Gillian provides a quality experience and support to students through their studies which is reflected in Crowe’s strong CFE pass rate and candidate success.

Gillian is not only a leader within the firm but in the community as well. She is an inspiration for other women in the profession. Female articling students speak highly of her leadership in a profession historically dominated by men. In 2020, Gillian was recognized by the City of Yellowknife, receiving the Trailblazer: Women in Leadership Award and CPA’s Distinguished Service Award.

Gillian’s ability to communicate complex tax issues in a digestible manner and foresee potential issues has led her to become a trusted advisor to her clients. She continuously goes above and beyond to ensure her clients see success in their business. In 2016, Gillian completed CPA Canada’s three year In-Depth Tax course. Gillian is among the few northerners who have completed this rigorous program, a testament to her commitment to offer clients smart decisions that provide lasting value.

What’s the recipe for a successful career? “Working with clients, colleagues, or the boards I’ve been involved with has been very fulfilling. When you enjoy what you do, it is easy to stay engaged and keep growing as a professional,” says Gillian. Hearing from her clients their appreciation for the work and advice she provides is “the ultimate compliment” and fuels her passion to continue serving her community as their trusted advisor.

“It’s an honour to be recognized with the FCPA award,” says Gillian, “I’m thankful that I’ve had the opportunity to be impactful enough on others that they consider me deserving.”

Zakar’s career spans into both public practice and industry. Starting his accounting career with Crowe MacKay in 2006, Zakar’s passion for learning propelled him to become a expert in his field and an exceptional leader, and he eventually departed to work in industry where he stayed for a decade serving as a Controller and eventually the Chief Financial Officer for one of the most active Indigenous organizations in the North.

In 2020, Zakar rejoined the Crowe Yellowknife team, where he quickly earned the trust of both junior staff and Partners. He is engaged in mentoring young professionals working towards their CPA designation, teaching them how to be more efficient in performing tasks and understanding accounting concepts, and the importance of teamwork as they “all fail or succeed together,” Zakar shares.

Outside of the office, Zakar is an active member in the community sitting on the CPA Board and many of its committees. He is the Chair of the By-Law Committee and the Education and Professional Development Committee, and is also a member of the Finance Committee.

Through his career, his friendship with his colleagues have inspired him, along with the support of his wife. “Knowing that I have a support system has always given me the strength and courage to be ethical and professional,” says Zakar, “which has led to the respect and trust I have earned today.” He shares his gratitude for current and past colleagues John Laratta, Gillian Lee, Matthew Horton, Andy Wong, Katherine MacDonald, and Cathy Cudmore, amongst others for shaping him into the leader he is today.

Winning the FCPA award is a great acknowledgement from his colleagues, “I feel more confident and motivated to provide support to younger generation in achieving their personal goals,” Zakar shares.

Fred is an active volunteer in the community and is passionate about working with the NWT Francophone community. He is the President of CDÉTNO, which partners with governments at all levels and connects hundreds of members from the NWT business community with services in French. He is also the Vice President of the Association Franco Culturelle de Yellowknife (AFCY) and active with the Yellowknife Old Timers Hockey Association, acting as Treasurer, Fundraising Chair, and team representative. Fred also sits on the ethics committee for CPA NWT/NU. When asked what drives him to be so active in the community, his answer is simple, “I owe it to the community.”

Fred is motivated by the joy he receives in work and life; it is what he considers the foundation of his success. To him, the countless hours he spends giving back to the community is a reward in and of its self.

“It’s an honour to be recognized by my colleagues and the community for my dedication. Winning the Distinguished Service Award is a great acknowledgement,” says Fred.